AC Milan vs Atalanta: H2H, Players To Watch and Prediction

Venue: San Siro

Form

AC Milan: W, D, W, W, W

Atalanta: W, D, W, D, W

Head to Head

1 Wins. 2 Draws. 2 Losses.

Atalanta 5 - 0 Milan

Atalanta 1 - 3 Milan

AC Milan 2 - 2 Atalanta

Atalanta 1 - 1 Milan

AC Milan 0 - 2 Atalanta

Milan are facing another side that's unbeaten since the restart but the task is much more daunting than Sassuolo last time out. Atalanta are the highest scoring side in Serie A, they are currently 2nd in the table after surpassing Inter Milan and Lazio and are just 6 points below Juventus for the top spot. The match is made even more terrifying by the absence of Alessio Romagnoli, Ismael Bennacer and Theo Hernandez due to injuries or suspensions. Andrea Conti and Simon Kjaer are also doubts for the game after picking up knocks in the last game. Atalanta will be without Josip Ilicic whilst Duvan Zapata is also a doubt.

Top 3 Match-Ups

Muriel vs Gabbia

This is a huge test for the young centre back. Matteo Gabbia is one of the least experienced players on Milan's squad whilst Luis Muriel is perhaps one of the most experienced strikers in Serie A. This is a terrifying position to be in as a Milan fan especially against the highest scoring side in Italy this season. Gabbia almost must be careful not to pick up an early booking as he has in the past.

Kessie-Biglia vs Pasalic-De Roon

The midfield battle will be vital in this game as Atalanta have been dominant in the midfield and have especially been helped by late runs into the box from the likes of Pasalic and De Roon. Kessie has been doing great with Bennacer but now is stuck with Biglia who severely lacks the pace and aggression. Milan need to force Atalanta into tight angles and limit their passing options to the wings similar to the Napoli game.

Ibrahimovic vs Caldara/Palomino

Since the last game, we have seen the importance of Ibrahimovic having a dominant performance. This game will be similar, Milan are unlikely to have a lot of chances thus for the few chances that we get, he needs to finish off. Ibrahimovic will be going up against Caldara or Palomino and can physically overpower both of them and needs to.

Serie A Standings

Milan 6th 59 Points

Atalanta 2nd 74 Points

Milan will want revenge for the humiliating 5-0 loss to Atalanta id December. Stefano Pioli will want to pick up all three points in his first game after his contract was renewed. The depth players will want to make a strong impression as this is a rare chance for them. A lot is at stake hence I expect a rigid game, lots of horizontal passes and a lot of possession play with little attacking output.

Prediction:

Milan 2 - 2 Atalanta